PAN opens chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) copay fund
The PAN Foundation today opened a financial assistance copay program designed to help with out-of-pocket medication costs for eligible Medicare patients living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
The PAN Foundation COPD copay assistance program provides a grant of $2,100 to help pay for covered medication out-of-pocket expenses. If patients need more assistance within the same 12-month period, they can apply for additional funding if the disease fund is open and funding is available, of up to $4,200 total per year.
COPD is a chronic, and potentially life-threatening, respiratory condition characterized by coughing, shortness of breath, and airflow limitation. It involves chronic inflammation of lung tissue and structural changes to the lungs, often brought on by hazardous particles like cigarette smoke or air pollution. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 16 million adults in the U.S. have been diagnosed with COPD, and millions more are estimated to have COPD but have not been diagnosed.
“COPD is a devastating chronic disease that impacts a person’s quality of life and can be life-threatening if untreated,” said Kevin L. Hagan, PAN’s President and CEO. “We are grateful to open this critical copay fund thanks to the support of PAN’s generous donors, allowing us to ease the financial burden for those living with COPD and their families. We are also proud to offer patients support services through the American Lung Association, one of our valued alliance partners.”
The American Lung Association offers various resources, including education, advocacy, and research related to lung health, including COPD. Learn more at lung.org.
Patients who qualify for the COPD copay program are eligible to receive an initial grant of $2,100 in financial assistance to pay for the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance costs associated with their treatment for COPD. If patients need more assistance within the same 12-month period, they can apply for additional funding if the disease fund is open and funding is available, of up to $4,200 total per year.
Eligibility requirements
To get COPD copay assistance, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients must:
- Be receiving treatment for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Have Medicare insurance that covers the qualifying medication or product
- Take a medication or product listed on PAN’s comprehensive list of covered medications
- Have a household income that falls at or below 400 percent of the federal poverty level
- Reside and receive treatment in the United States or U.S. territories (U.S. citizenship is not a requirement)
How to apply
You can apply online through the PAN portal or by phone. We encourage you to apply online through the PAN portal, but to apply by phone, call us at 1-866-316-7263 Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. ET.
Healthcare professionals can apply online through the PAN portal or by phone on behalf of their patients.
Other patient support services at PAN
Apply for a transportation grant
PAN grant recipients may also qualify for transportation assistance to allow them to get to and from activities that improve their overall health outcomes, including healthcare services, social connection and support, and more. Check eligibility and learn more.
Connect with our alliance partner, the American Lung Association
PAN partners with leading patient advocacy groups that help support the entire patient journey. Every patient who reaches out to PAN for financial assistance can request to connect with our alliance partner organizations, who will contact the patient directly to offer additional support and resources. Our COPD alliance partner, the American Lung Association, can help patients understand lung diseases, learn about treatments, and find more resources related to lung health, including COPD. Learn more at lung.org.
About the PAN Foundation
As a leading charitable foundation and healthcare advocacy organization, the PAN Foundation is dedicated to accelerating access to treatment for those who need it most and empowering patients on their healthcare journeys. We provide critical financial assistance for treatment costs, advocate for policy solutions that expand access to care, and deliver education on complex topics—all driven by our belief that everyone deserves access to affordable, equitable healthcare.
Since 2004, our financial assistance programs have helped more than 1.3 million people to start or stay on life-changing treatment. In addition, we’ve achieved major policy victories that increase access to care, mobilized patient advocates to call for change, and educated people nationwide on critical healthcare-related topics. We’re committed to working towards a future where equitable health outcomes are a reality for all. Learn more at panfoundation.org.